The Musafir
The Appearance of Horsemen
IN THE EVENING, they again found a restaurant complete with accommodation. But once again, Mantingan asked his entourage to keep going. It is not that he is too stingy to issue a piece of money, but indeed his condition is insecure. Kana and Kina also understood what they were facing this time.
Back they camped on the field, some distance from the road. Jakawarman has a good memory of finding a place like this. Not the past field, this field seems to have been used several times as a camping ground. The mantle can see piles of charred wood in some places.
Jakawarman moved and touched the wood ash. Groped and kissed her thoroughly, then she let out a muttering sound, “It was about three days ago.”
The sound was still big enough to be heard. The young man nodded his head slowly before drowning in his mind realm.
Most likely, this place has been known to many people. It is not impossible if someone comes to rest. And in accordance with the unwritten rules, where there is a land of no ownership, there travelers are allowed to build temporary tents and no one is allowed to ban it except for certain matters. Fellow travelers are required to divide the area to build a tent if there is no other safe area. The same goes for refugees or victims of war.
If until this land is visited by tourists, then Mantingan should divide the region. But Mantingan did not expect that until it happened, and even if it had to happen then Mantingan chose to stay away from the region.
Considering that he and the Northern River Angel are still the most wanted fugitives Javadvipa.
***
BUT HOWEVER, destiny has gone according to its line. That night, as Mantingan and Jakawarman were having a casual conversation in front of the bonfire, they heard the sound of horse footsteps.
Jakawarman shook his hand once, and the bonfire died. Mantingan did not mind, because he would do it if Jakawarman did not do it first. It sharpens his hearing.
“Isn't this too rushed if it's called a regular horse's footstep?” Jakawarman asked with a whisper.
The mantang nodded his head. “It's too fast. Whoever is coming, it's not a merchant cart or anything like that.”
“We need to install high-level alertness, Hero Man?”
“Ya,” reply, “ I think it's needed.”
Installing a high level of vigilance is not by staying still not moving anywhere. To be alert means to act. Sword alerting. Being in a favorable place. Ready to attack at any time.
Mantingan and Jakawarman went to bring his sword. They pierce through thickets to approach the side of the road. It was among the sea of shrubs that they hid. Because they both come from the same school with the same knowledge, then they can disguise the sound of breathing, the sound of heartbeats, and even the smell of the body with the Science of Controlling the Wind. The impact, the wind in that place a little more than other places around.
Both Mantingan and Jakawarman grasped the headwaters of his sword to be vigilant. He looked straight ahead.
Meanwhile, the sound of the footsteps of the horse's footsteps grew increasingly audible, a sign that the horse was getting closer. It is increasingly clear that the clattering of steps means haste!
Under the gloomy shadows of the thin cloud-covered moon, Mantingan could see a speck of shadow moving at the end of the road. Slowly the shadow point got closer and bigger, until it appeared that it was a dark horse and its rider!
Horse straps are restrained until the animal slows down as it nears the campground. It sounded short-lived, followed by a short quick snort.
Things are really tense. The mantan waited for the man to attack him first. However, he did not know the true strength of the opponent. Many warriors disguised their power by riding horses while traveling. Of course, usually, warriors do not use horses to travel, but flashed quickly.
But unexpectedly, the rider did not directly attack Mantingan or Jakawarman. He was seen examining both sides of the road while continuing to draw his sword.
“WAHAI! Is anyone here from the White Wind College?! Come out you all, peril comes as a friend who asks for help!”
“What to do, Hero?” Jakawarman sent a whisper of wind to Mantingan.
Mantingan replied with a whisper of the wind anyway, “Wait a while longer, according to my cue.”
Created a moment of silence. The person claiming to be a comrade turned his gaze around. What darkness and high shrubs managed to disguise the existence of Mantingan camp. But what would make the rider know of the existence of the person from the White Wind College here while they left no trace of anything?
“Do not doubt the danger! Danger is not a bad guy! Will be bright release this sword!” The man threw his sword on the ground, then he raised his hand. “Clean light, now you guys come out!”
“We welcome him, but keep on alert.” The mantel said in the end.
On that pitch-black night, two white-clothed figures appeared among the bushes. Although it was dark, but the existence of the two figures could still be seen by the black horsemen. Quickly he asked, “Are you students from White Wind College?”
“True!” answer Mantingan. “If you acknowledge yourself as a friend, then tell me where you came from!”
“Sahaya must make sure in advance that you are truly from White Wind College!”
“What is capable of making you feel certain?” Jakawarman replied.
“You both do the moves that only North Wind College members can do!”
Jakawarman glanced at Mantingan, retorted a nod. So used the Science of Whispering the Wind by him, “Yang this one is the Science of Whispering the Wind. Can you believe it?”
Strange actually. They are the ones who should not trust that person, but why does he demand trust?
“The formula is correct!” the man said half cheering. “Sahaya is a guard soldier from Taruma who asks for help from the two of you. Sahaya named Anaj, if you both want to know.”
“What kind of help do you expect?” Jakawarman returned.
“Sahaya asked for help in the form of protection,” he said, “sahaya is controlling the group, but many friends who betrayed and fought back against us. Now we need strength to fill the void.”
